Every NHL training camp has a lineup surprise and new Toronto Maple Leafs general manager David Nonis didn’t disappoint on Sunday.

New defenceman Mike Mottau was on the ice at the MasterCard Centre after signing a two-way deal. A 313-game NHL veteran, Mottau was most recently with Florida’s AHL farm team in San Antonio, which visited Toronto a couple of weeks ago when the Rampage lost to the Marlies.

“We’ve been talking about players with NHL experience who might come in here and help us,” Nonis said.

Among the 34-year-old Mottau’s previous stops, were his home state Boston Bruins and the rare triple of all three New York City-area clubs. He has seven goals and 58 points in his NHL career.

At the same time, Nonis was pushing for Holzer and Fraser to do well at camp, after they had been invited in September prior to the lockout.

“I like our depth on defence,” Nonis said. “We think Holzer has proven he can be a 6-7 guy. Mark doesn’t get it done while looking very pretty, but that’s a very competitive player who will add something here that has been lacking.

“Hopefully, Jake comes back quickly. Morgan will be given a chance. I’m not saying he’ll stick, but he’s strong enough and good enough that he could have an impact on us.”

Rielly can only play five NHL games unless the Leafs want him to lose a year of junior eligibility with Moose Jaw of the WHL. Playing with grown men after a brief rest from his draining trip to the world junior tournament, the 18-year-old hopes to have a big week at the MCC. Veteran John-Michael Liles took him to dinner a few nights ago and he was invited out for a small team meal as well.

“To have the chance to experience a pro camp is pretty cool and gets better every day,” Rielly said. “They (haze) me here and there. That’s just an aspect of hockey.”

Nonis denied a rumour originating with the Wilkes -Barre AHL team that the Leafs were going to sign bruising left winger Steve MacIntyre.

Sponsored Links

Maple Leafs loading up on the blueline, add Mike Mottau

Every NHL training camp has a lineup surprise and new Maple Leafs general manager David Nonis didn’t disappoint on Sunday.

New defenceman Mike Mottau was on the ice at the MasterCard Centre after signing a two-way deal. A 313-game NHL veteran, Mottau was most recently with Florida’s AHL farm team in San Antonio, which visited Toronto a couple of weeks ago when the Rampage lost to the Marlies.

“We’ve been talking about players with NHL experience who might come in here and help us,” Nonis said.